Topic

Extrajudicial Killings

Step 2:
From Noli Me Tangere
Critique of Abuses by Authority:

The character of Captain Tiago and the Civil Guards reflect the unchecked authority and
corruption that lead to the suffering and deaths of ordinary Filipinos.
The wrongful death of Crispin (a young sacristan falsely accused of theft) symbolizes the
arbitrary executions and lack of justice for the oppressed.
Relevant Quote:

“I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land. You, who have it to see,
welcome it—and forget not those who have fallen during the night.”
(Elias, as he dies fighting for justice.)

The Plight of Sisa:

Sisa’s story encapsulates the systemic violence and indifference to the lives of the
marginalized. The brutal treatment of her and her children by those in power mirrors the
impunity and disregard for human rights in extrajudicial killings today.
From El Filibusterismo
Call for Justice and Accountability:

The character of Simoun seeks vengeance against a corrupt system, driven by the abuses
and killings perpetrated by those in power.
Simoun’s transformation from an idealist into a revolutionary reflects Rizal’s nuanced
understanding of the desperation caused by injustice.
Relevant Quote:

“What is death to a country that is already dead?”

(Simoun, emphasizing the despair under systemic tyranny.)

Reflection on Power and Corruption:

The novel critiques leaders who exploit their power for personal gain, leaving ordinary
people vulnerable to abuse and violence.
From “The Philippines a Century Hence”
Prophetic Critique of Violence:

Rizal predicted the dangers of colonial abuses, warning that unchecked oppression would
lead to unrest and bloodshed.
Relevant Quote:
“A government which rules by the sword, forcing itself upon the people, is one that must rely
on continuous oppression to survive.”

Advocacy for Justice and Reform:

Rizal highlighted the need for meaningful reforms to prevent social decay and the violent
resistance it might provoke.
From “The Indolence of the Filipinos”
Condemnation of Oppression:

Rizal argued that the alleged “indolence” of Filipinos was not inherent but a result of
systemic injustice and exploitation, including violence and intimidation by colonial rulers.
Relevant Quote:

“The Filipinos have not always been what they are, witnesses those tribes who preferred to
flee to the mountains rather than submit to the oppression of foreign dominion.”

Letters and Speeches

Letters to the Women of Malolos:

Rizal urged Filipinos to stand against injustice, emphasizing moral courage and education as
tools to fight oppression.
Relevant Quote:

“No tyrant submits without a demand; the oppressed must rise to demand their rights.”

Farewell Letter (“Mi Último Adiós”):

Rizal’s final words reflect his ultimate sacrifice in the fight against tyranny, emphasizing his
desire for a just society.
Relevant Quote:

“I shall die to see the dawn break, and the oppressed, who have long dreamed of peace,
finally behold the light.”

Step 3:
Historical Context

The prevalence of EJKs in the Philippines can be traced back to the era of Spanish
colonization, where colonial authorities employed arbitrary executions to suppress dissent.
This pattern persisted through the American colonial period and was notably severe during
the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos (1965–1986). Under Marcos's martial law, an estimated
3,257 extrajudicial killings occurred, targeting political opponents, activists, and other
dissenters.
Current State

The issue of EJKs gained international attention during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte
(2016–2022), primarily due to his aggressive "war on drugs." Human rights organizations
reported thousands of deaths resulting from anti-drug operations, with allegations of police
falsifying evidence to justify unlawful killings.

Despite public statements by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2022–present) indicating a

shift towards treatment and rehabilitation, reports indicate that extrajudicial executions have
continued. In 2023, at least 329 individuals were killed in police-led anti-drug operations or
by unknown assailants.

Social Impact

The persistence of EJKs has had profound social repercussions in the Philippines:

Erosion of Rule of Law: The normalization of extrajudicial measures undermines legal

institutions and fosters a culture of impunity.

Human Rights Violations: Widespread abuses have drawn condemnation from international
human rights organizations, highlighting systemic issues within the country's justice system.

Psychological Trauma: Families of victims suffer enduring emotional and psychological

distress, compounded by the lack of accountability and justice.

Socioeconomic Strain: The loss of family members, often breadwinners, exacerbates

poverty and social instability in affected communities.

Step 4:

Jose Rizal's incisive critique of systemic oppression and abuse of power, as articulated in his
novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo and his essays such as The Philippines a
Century Hence, offers a timeless lens to analyze and address the contemporary issue of
extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. By advocating for education, justice, and moral
courage as tools to combat tyranny, Rizal’s ideas provide a framework for dismantling the
culture of impunity and fostering a society rooted in accountability and human rights.
Step 5:

Historical Essay: Connecting Rizal's Ideas to Extrajudicial Killings

Extrajudicial killings (EJKs) have long plagued Philippine society as a tragic manifestation of
systemic injustice and abuse of power. From colonial oppression to modern-day anti-drug
operations, the impunity surrounding these acts continues to undermine human rights and
the rule of law. Jose Rizal, a national hero and reformist, encountered similar abuses in his
time with his writings that give depth to the roots and remedies for such societal sickness.
These ideas of Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and more serve as the framework to
understand and solve the problem of EJKs of today's world.

Philippine extrajudicial killings have long roots in Spanish colonization, when dissent was
met with summary executions to maintain control. The pattern continued under both the
American colonial era and the Marcos dictatorship, where martial law between 1972 and
1981 saw more than 3,000 EJKs targeting political opponents. In recent years, the
presidency of Rodrigo Duterte brought EJKs to international attention, as his "war on drugs"
led to thousands of alleged drug suspects being killed in controversial police operations.
Despite public assurances of reform under Ferdinand Marcos Jr., EJKs remain a pressing
issue, with hundreds of cases reported annually. The social impact is deep: families are left
traumatized, legal institutions eroded, and communities plunged into poverty and fear.

Ideas of Rizal Relevant to the Issue

Jose Rizal's works are replete with critiques of abuse and oppression. In Noli Me Tangere,
the wrongful death of Crispin and the plight of his mother, Sisa, encapsulate the systemic
violence and neglect faced by the marginalized. Similarly, El Filibusterismo highlights the
despair and desperation provoked by a corrupt system, with Simoun representing those
driven to radicalism by injustice. In his essay The Philippines a Century Hence, Rizal warned
against governance rooted in violence, stating that a "government which rules by the
[Link] rely on continuous oppression to survive." His advocacy for justice, education,
and moral courage, as seen in his Letters to the Women of Malolos and Mi Último Adiós,
underscores his belief in peaceful yet firm resistance against tyranny.

Connecting Rizal's Ideas to the Present Issue

It would resonate with extrajudicial killings as critiques. He has depicted the systemic
violence in colonial Philippines, mirroring how power is being abused at the present time of
anti-drug campaigns. Rizal emphasizes that education is a tool to enlighten and empower
the masses, which still holds, particularly in the areas of misinformation and fear in
perpetuating support for violent measures. His call for accountability and reform underscores
the need for strengthening institutions and respect for rule of law in order to defeat impunity.
However, Rizal also admitted to desperation deriving from unstoppable oppression, a caveat
to his recommendation that touches on potential resistance should justice not be served.

Solutions Derived from Rizal's Principles

Rizal's ideals provide how EJKs can be addressed today. First, widespread civic education
campaigns can empower citizens to demand accountability and reject violence. Second,
reforms to strengthen legal and judicial institutions can dismantle the culture of impunity.
Third, community programs that prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures echo Rizal's
belief in compassionate governance. Lastly, fostering a culture of dialogue and moral
courage, inspired by Rizal's writings, can unify society in the pursuit of justice and human
rights.

Jose Rizal's thoughts still are very relevant, considering the importance of not taking into
account the issue of extrajudicial killings just as one happening these days but one
deeply-rooted within the society. His writings illuminate the dangers of uncontrolled power
and point toward avenues to justice, accountability, and reform. The embrace of Rizal's
vision shall face the Philippines toward a future with an EJK legacy in the hope that a human
dignity, coupled with a rule of law, can flourish within its boundaries.